Reducing operational emissions from buildings is becoming mandatory
The Paris Climate Agreement targets a nearly zero emission building stock in operation by 2050, making immediate action essential for industry and commercial building operators.
Emissions must be significantly reduced – progressively in existing buildings during ongoing operation. In new developments, regulations require operational emissions to be offset. Companies committed to Net Zero are required to cut emissions by at least 90%, with only the remaining 10% offset through certified measures such as reforestation or technical CO₂ removal.
The EU Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets binding requirements. The focus is no longer on whether action is needed, but on how and where emissions can be reduced most effectively and at speed.
Building technology as the key enabler
Pump systems operate for many years – but operating conditions and requirements change over time. If pump technology is not adapted to actual demand, potential energy savings may remain untapped. The European Commission estimates the cost-effective potential for improving the energy efficiency of pump systems at around 20 to 30 per cent.
This is where Energy Solutions come in: operating data provides transparency into how a system actually performs. On this basis, specific opportunities for adjustment can be identified – from control and operating strategies to pump technology. This provides a sound basis for optimising the energy use of existing systems.
We help companies and building operators transition to zero‑emission buildings by making energy efficiency a strategic asset – across both new developments and existing properties.
Regulatory energy efficiency requirements are not a burden, but an opportunity to strengthen competitiveness, meet customer and investor expectations, and achieve Environmental, Social and Covernance (ESG) objectives through informed, data‑driven decisions. Our approach to energy management is simple and effective: measure, understand, and optimise energy flows.
Energy management means systematically measuring, analysing, and optimising energy flows.
We assess the energy consumption of pumps and systems, identify efficiency potential, and implement demand aligned measures. This includes:
- integration into building and process control systems
- digital energy monitoring
- the use of renewable energy sources, and the recovery of waste heat
The result: greater transparency and targeted opportunities to improve system operation – from demand-based control and adapted system hydraulics to targeted modernisation. This can help reduce energy consumption and operating costs while supporting reliable system operation and the implementation of regulatory requirements.
End-to-end support – from concept to operation – Wilo-Energy Audit
Our energy optimisation services extend beyond analysis. Through Wilo-Energy Audit*, we support you from initial concept and implementation through to ongoing operation. We deliver tailored application-specific solutions, integrating advanced pump technology with digital monitoring and demand-driven control—both in existing infrastructure and new developments.
By combining expert consulting, precise analysis, and intelligent monitoring solutions such as our remote monitoring software, Wilo-Monitor, we provide a holistic, full lifecycle service, backed by manufacturer-led customer service, we ensure high operational reliability and rapid response times.
The result: potential for lower energy consumption and operating costs, as well as opportunities to support reliable system operation and the implementation of regulatory requirements.
Contact our experts*The Wilo-Energy Audit does not comply with DIN EN 16247-1 and therefore does not replace a company’s obligation to conduct an energy audit in accordance with Section 8 of the German Energy Services Act (EDL-G).
More than just a pump replacement:
We go beyond pump replacement by optimising the entire pump system, including the distribution network.
| Typical challenges: | Your benefits: |
|---|---|
| Inefficient Systems | Potentially lower operating costs |
| Oversized pumps | Potentially high ROI |
| High operating temperatures | Lower operating temperatures |
| No digital monitoring | Monitoring your progress |
| High failure | Improved reliability |
Hydrogen as a key enabler of modern energy systems
For energy-intensive applications, hydrogen can open up new possibilities for storing and using renewable energy. With the Wilo-H2POWERPLANT at its own site, Wilo demonstrates how the different technologies can work together within an integrated system.
The H2POWERPLANT combines photovoltaics, electrolysis, hydrogen storage and fuel cell technology. Surplus renewable electricity can be converted into green hydrogen by electrolysis and stored for later use. When required, the fuel cell converts the hydrogen back into electricity and heat. The resulting waste heat can also be integrated into the energy system and used, for example, for heating or cooling applications.
This integrated approach has been implemented at the Wilopark in Dortmund since 2022: the hydrogen storage system installed there can hold up to 520 kilograms of hydrogen, while the modular system is designed to produce up to ten tonnes of green hydrogen per year. This enables Wilo to gain practical experience in the generation, storage and use of hydrogen within an integrated energy system.
We build on this experience to develop application-specific hydrogen solutions together with our customers.
Key benefits:
- Demand based energy generation using fuel cell technology
- Use and storage of waste heat
- Higher system efficiency through integrated energy flows
- Use of green hydrogen as a low emission alternative to fossil energy sources